*UPDATE 2*We have confirmed new firmware for the 5D Mark III that addresses a few issues is coming very soon. Cameras could get held back for this reason. The firmware will for sure address the 200 f/2L IS and 800 f/5.6L IS issues.

I changed the title of this post from “recall” to “stock delayed”.

*UPDATE*Lots more information is rolling in about this. Two of the retailers are BuyDig and Beach Camera which are one in the same. The story coming from them is the cameras have been held back “in case a recall is necessary”. However there is no mention as to why. The word “recall” may be the wrong word to describe the experience the retailer and customer had.

Canon Digital Photo Professional to blame?
Another theory I have heard is a new version DPP is coming out next week to address the issues with it and the 5D Mark III RAW files, and the cameras are being held back to get the new version into the boxes. We reported the issue with DPP last week.

I do NOT want to start a firestormI have received various reports of 5D Mark III shipments to retailers being cancelled. Retailers in the USA have told various preorder buyers that the cameras have been “recalled” and that an announcement would come next week.

I have no idea at this moment if this is true, or what the rumoured “recall” is about. Its out there on other message boards, so I have to post it here.

WarningPlease wait for an official announcement before treating this as fact. I have asked a few other retailers in Canada if they have heard anything, and for the moment the answer is “no”. Again, I have received the same story from 3 USA retailers and their customers.

It is likely more related to a specific production run they did where quality might have been compromised somehow. Remember the 1dx delay was given a delay due to start of mass production reason...maybe they struggle with manufacturing these days?

A recall would be last ditch. If it was any sort of firmware issue (i.e. video softness or image softness) they would handle with an update. The light leak is the only issue of a physical nature I've heard about. But as others have said I'm not really convinced it's a massive problem in practice.

My best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who's going with the girl who saw the 5D3's light leak at 31 Flavors last night. I guess it's pretty serious.

I commend Canon for putting the kabosh on sales for the sake of not letting their name get muddied by unhappy owners. I think the 1dm3 debacle has taught them that the PR cost them too much during that situation and the upfront cost is worth it. I do feel bad for those who finally ordered or are still waiting, that just sux but no where near as much as screwing up a photoshoot for a paying client. I get a great reward using the 5dm3 but i do have to shoot a little diff with diff lenses with the knowledge of getting the best outcome from varying lenses. Even though I really like it if they do a recall for mine too i will send it and Canon Professional Services will take care of me.